Summer’s here, and what better time to soak in some sun for that nice golden tan than the hottest season of the year?

But if you’ve got some ink done on your skin, you’ve got to realize that direct sunlight isn’t exactly a tattoo’s greatest friend. However brilliant and/or colorful your tattoo is, the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause the color in your tattoo, or the tattoo itself, to fade. The rays can essentially squeeze the life out of it. The same goes for tanning beds, which can even be more damaging to tattoos than the sun considering that its UV rays are much more concentrated.

However, all the adverse effects of UV rays on tattoos do not mean you’ll have to kiss your tanning days goodbye. Getting bronzed and inked are two passions that could still be indulged in together, as long as some precautionary measures are taken.

The most obvious step is to use sun block if you really need to get some sun. And if you’re going to stay in the sun for a much longer period than usual, it is recommended that you use a sun block with the highest SPF, and re-apply it as often as needed, especially over your tattoo that is exposed to sunlight. Covering the tattooed area with a piece of cloth also helps preserve the vibrancy of your body art.

But if you got your tattoo just a couple of days before, follow all tattoo aftercare tips outlined by your tattoo artist and at least wait until your skin heals before making any efforts at tanning. That could take anywhere between two weeks to three months, when a tattoo is generally considered to be totally healed. As long as your new tattoo hasn’t finished peeling and has yet to grow its first protective layer of skin, don’t go exposing it to UV rays. Doing the opposite could only damage your tattoo, because no amount of sun block is going to be enough to protect it from UV rays, especially if its going to be exposed for long periods of time.

Just follow these simple tips and you’ll have that gorgeous sun-kissed look and wonderful body art at the same time.